A Bristol City fan, Mackenzie Bailey, has been sentenced for a public order offence following an incident prior to a match against Cardiff City on February 15, 2023. The 18-year-old, described by prosecutors as a “tall, ginger lad,” attracted police attention due to his distinctive appearance after being caught on camera throwing a can of alcohol at the O’Neill’s pub on St Mary Street, Cardiff.

During proceedings at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Mike Curry presented footage of Bailey among a group of Bristol City supporters, who were seen gathering outside pubs and yelling at patrons and police officers. The court heard that Bailey had thrown the can at the pub’s signage, causing alcoholic contents to spray out upon impact. Officers moved the fans on, but Bailey stood out in the away section at the Cardiff City Stadium where he was arrested at half-time.

Representing Bailey, solicitor Maxine Twynam stated that he felt “ashamed of the way he behaved that day” and acknowledged that there was no justification for his actions. She described him as a supportive family member and a full-time employee in the rendering and plastering industry. Bailey has worked for his employer for three years, who testified to his hard work and commitment.

However, the court noted Bailey’s previous caution for a similar football-related offence, where he was involved in a confrontation that resulted from being pushed. During the recent hearing, Twynam expressed the family’s desire for a football banning order to be imposed, highlighting the impact the incident had on them.

Presiding Justice Mark Hughes delayed the verdict momentarily before announcing that Bailey would not face imprisonment but would be subject to a three-year ban preventing him from attending regulated football matches. He received a fine of £500 alongside a £200 victim services surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs, which he is to pay at a rate of £100 a month.

In a separate case, Jason Nutt, a 38-year-old from Llanbradach, received a sentence for drunk and disorderly behaviour from an incident on February 14, 2023. Nutt appeared in court wearing a t-shirt featuring the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. and openly engaged with magistrates, expressing discontent about supposed graffiti in the dock. Prosecutor Mike Curry described him as “intoxicated and abusive” towards door staff in Mill Lane, leading to his arrest.

Solicitor Jacqui Seal indicated that Nutt has been taking steps to address his alcohol issues, having begun attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The court took Nutt’s past convictions into account but also acknowledged his willingness to change. Ultimately, he received a fine of £120, along with £85 in prosecution costs and a £48 victim services surcharge, with the option to pay at a rate of £25 a month.

Both cases reflect ongoing concerns regarding public order issues linked to alcohol consumption and the impact of such incidents on the community in Cardiff.

Source: Noah Wire Services